Morton House to plant anniversary cherry tree

A cherry tree from the 100th anniversary of the Japanese cherry trees in Washington, D.C., was planted Friday, April 26, at Morton House Assisted Living.

In 1912, the mayor of Tokyo gave the United States 3,000 cherry trees, which later prompted the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival. The Japanese gift included 12 varieties of cherry trees to join other Japanese varieties already introduced to the United States.

To mark the 100th anniversary last year, Japan gave the United States additional trees and the National Arbor Day Foundation was among recipients.

Dan Swanson

A cherry tree from the 100th anniversary of the Japanese cherry trees in Washington, D.C., was planted at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 26, at Morton House Assisted Living.

In 1912, the mayor of Tokyo gave the United States 3,000 cherry trees, which later prompted the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival. The Japanese gift included 12 varieties of cherry trees to join other Japanese varieties already introduced to the United States.

To mark the 100th anniversary last year, Japan gave the United States additional trees and the National Arbor Day Foundation was among recipients.

Adam Howard, nursery operations manager at Arbor Day Farm, offered one of the trees to Morton House.

Tish Winkelman, meaningful pursuits coordinator at Morton House, said the staff and residents are honored to have one of the centennial trees planted on their grounds.

"Being part of Nebraska City's Arbor Day history and helping keep our community beautiful is so exciting and rewarding to our residents and staff," she said.

"It will provide countless hours of appreciation, admiration and love for our residents, their families, our staff and the entire Nebraska City Community," said nurse Amber Ceceil.